Turn-O-Graph - Love it or Hate it?

[kip595]

If the DJ is the ubiquitous 'cool kid' at every party then the DJ Turn-O-Graph aka Thunderbird almost seems like the red-headed step sibling that rarely gets invited. Pretty much everything I've heard and read falls to one side or the other - Love it or Loathe it.

TBH as a model I was of course aware of it but it wasn't really 'on my radar' until recently. Seeing one got me curious about it, so I read a bit, and then decided I'd see what you guys think.

Too much of a hybrid between dress, casual, and sports? So many distinct features it inadvertently fails to be truly distinct? Or a perfect blend of stylistic flash and rugged capability? A harmony to its almost aggressive simplicity?

Just curious to opinions here, no right or wrong answer, no 'is this a good deal/investment/etc', just what do YOU think of it?

Cheers!

[kieselguhr]

I like it. If Rolex reintroduced the bezel on the 36mm DJ I think it would be great!

[Dr.Teatime]

I think its a sleeper... bought one for the wife. She loves it.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I like it, I want one, if a pre-owned version pops up at the right time I’ll buy it.

[YoyoGift8]

I like the TOG. On the most recent iteration before it got discontinued, the numbered bezel, the red second hand & date were features that stood out. I would think that if it will be reissued on a bigger >39 & up size, it will be more popular.

[csaltphoto]

It's cool. Wish they had executed the bezel a bit better. Still high on my list for a number 2. I like it because it's unusual.

[Yacht-Master]

Bought one (2003 series) from a friend, mostly unworn since new and the bracelet was never used, so it was new.

Got it for my wife because she could not read her TT ladies DJ with the gold jubilee dial with diamonds. Camouflage dial.

She's a nurse and enjoys the bezel feature.

My post count is low so I can't post pics yet. It's TT, white dial with sticks, and romans in a rail track.

[Alfredo.]

I absolutely love it. I'm a huge fan of this lesser known variant which I understand was intended for the Japanese market only. I own a Ref. 1625 YG Turn-o-Graph and use it quite a lot.

Pic of the Japan TOG Stole from the internet.

[HogwldFLTR]

Would lot to own one but so far I haven't bit!!

[Gazoak]

I think it's a great watch. I really enjoy wearing mine. I do like the green second hand and date on the Japanese model.

[rmagoo57]

Love it! Would like to own/wear one some day. 116264, white dial on a super jubilee.

[breitlings]

Love the tog and it’s backstory.

[Mystro]

Love the model. It is right for a modern update is some form.

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Love the model. It is right for a modern update is some form.

I was also thinking that. tog makes me do a double take when I see one. And I thought what would it do at 40mm with a roulette date wheel.

[kip595]

That green dial version is a stunner.

I was already thinking of going back to the shop near me that has one to take a second look, but if there was any convincing to be done, you guys have it! ;)

I gave it a cursory look over - full kit white dial 116264 from 2006 - if things pan out I'll post some pics!

[BroncoOne]

It’s my first ever Rolex so just fir that reason I love it. You don’t see many and it’s worth three times what I bought it for new.

I love when they discontinue it.

That said, it sort of fell out of favor as Rolex brought in other rotating bezel models that made it redundant. It didn’t really fall into a category between a Sub and aGMT or Explorer.

So it became rare. Which as I said I appreciate.

[kip595]

Related question to those who have the later examples of these - anyone know how common the Jubilee bracelet vs. the Oyster is to these? I believe both were available during the run in the 2000s-2011.

[AirPeasant]

I love mine. The rotating fluted bezel, red seconds hand and date and super jubilee are such great features.

[Boothroyd]

I almost got one as my first Rolex. Always like the utility and the style. I wish they would bring it back.

[ArtNouveau]

Originally Posted by AirPeasant

I love mine. The rotating fluted bezel, red seconds hand and date and super jubilee are such great features.

That’s my favorite dial/iteration too. Haven’t seen for sale in a long time.

[tkc324]

Definitely one of the more underrated Rolex for sure. I hope to add one in the near future now that they are discontinued.

[Runfar]

I think it’s awesome seems you do too grab it always grab what you like

[Cgill1982]

Buy it they are beautiful and great conversion pieces as most haven’t seen one !

[Jack T]

Is there something in between? Basically a DJ with a rotating, enumerated bezel. Creates a different personality, would prefer an oyster bracelet.

[ltmgeller]

My first Rolex was a TOG back in 2002. I still love it. TT white dial.

[Simon_jrees]

Originally Posted by kip595

If the DJ is the ubiquitous 'cool kid' at every party then the DJ Turn-O-Graph aka Thunderbird almost seems like the red-headed step sibling that rarely gets invited. Pretty much everything I've heard and read falls to one side or the other - Love it or Loathe it.

TBH as a model I was of course aware of it but it wasn't really 'on my radar' until recently. Seeing one got me curious about it, so I read a bit, and then decided I'd see what you guys think.

Too much of a hybrid between dress, casual, and sports? So many distinct features it inadvertently fails to be truly distinct? Or a perfect blend of stylistic flash and rugged capability? A harmony to its almost aggressive simplicity?

Just curious to opinions here, no right or wrong answer, no 'is this a good deal/investment/etc', just what do YOU think of it?

Cheers!

It's a like here

[kip595]

Happy to say that after a bit of haggling and now a wait for their watchmaker to service; I'll be adding a 2006 white dial with Jubilee to the collection - unworn and with full kit :)

Will post anew with pics and observations when I get it in - had them negotiate the full in-house no-polish, etc, service into the deal, but now it's a 1-2 months wait for their guy to get to it...no complaints, he practically restored a vintage Air King for me while keeping it original, so this time I can be patient :)

[rmagoo57]

Originally Posted by kip595

Happy to say that after a bit of haggling and now a wait for their watchmaker to service; I'll be adding a 2006 white dial with Jubilee to the collection - unworn and with full kit :)

Will post anew with pics and observations when I get it in - had them negotiate the full in-house no-polish, etc, service into the deal, but now it's a 1-2 months wait for their guy to get to it...no complaints, he practically restored a vintage Air King for me while keeping it original, so this time I can be patient :)

Congrats! Looking forward to the incoming TOG!

[TheVTCGuy]

I like the TOG, to me, it offers an elegant and sporty look at the same time; kind of like a sporty Datejust. The only thing is I wish they would bring it back in 41MM size, but that’s just me.

[BNA/LION]

Honestly I have never held or seen a TOG in the flesh. They are definitely interesting and I guess I would be open to one. So, I am neutral on the TOG.